🏆 AGS Awards 2022 - Awards are over!

cat · Sun 01/01/2023 19:57:25

🏆 AGS Awards 2022

Welcome to the AGS Awards, the event where you, the player, choose the best games of the year!

Step # 0 - play them games!
You have some time to play games made in 2022. Do it!
Step # 1 - nomination time!
Select games you deem worthy in each category!
Step # 2 - vote, folks!
Pick from the nominees and we get a winner!
Step # 3 - party!
Big party to celebrate the winners!

Awards are over!

Here are the winners

Best Game Created with AGS
Nightmare Frames

Best Freeware Game Created with AGS
The Witch's Lullaby

Best Writing
Nightmare Frames

Best Character
"Alan Goldberg" from Nightmare Frames

Best Gameplay
Nightmare Frames

Best Background Art
Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard

Best Character Art
Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard

Best Animation
Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard

Best Original Music & Sound Design
Nightmare Frames

Best Voice Work
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Demo
Zid Journey (demo)

Best Non Adventure Game Created with AGS
Snow Problem

Best Short Game
The Witch's Lullaby

Best Programming
Don't Give Up the Cat

Best Puzzles
Nightmare Frames

Congratulations!

Nomination results

Best Game Created with AGS

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Nightmare Frames
Perfect Tides
Space Quest: A Son of Xenon - Full Version (2022)
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Freeware Game Created with AGS

Clotilde Soffritti in: Never Double Park your Spaceship
Highland Spirit
Space Quest: A Son of Xenon - Full Version (2022)
The Witch's Lullaby
Where Did the Humans Go?

Best Writing

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Nightmare Frames
Perfect Tides
Space Quest: A Son of Xenon - Full Version (2022)
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Character

"Alan Goldberg" from Nightmare Frames
"Clotilde Soffritti" from Clotilde Soffritti in: Never Double Park your Spaceship
"Finn" from Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
"Mara Whitefish" from Perfect Tides
"Thomasina Bateman" from The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Gameplay

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Clotilde Soffritti in: Never Double Park your Spaceship
Nightmare Frames
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow
The Witch's Lullaby

Best Background Art

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Nightmare Frames
Rock 'n' Roll Will Never Die!
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow
The Witch's Lullaby

Best Character Art

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Clotilde Soffritti in: Never Double Park your Spaceship
Nightmare Frames
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow
The Witch's Lullaby

Best Animation

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Nightmare Frames
Perfect Tides
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow
Zid Journey (demo)

Best Music & Sound

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Nightmare Frames
Space Quest: A Son of Xenon - Full Version (2022)
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Voice Work

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Challenge of the Tentacle
SPHONX
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Demo

Castle Dornstein - DEMO
Menial; a Utopian Bagel Simulator (demo)
Signal & Echo: Iris is Missing (demo)
Zid Journey (demo)

Best Non Adventure Game Created with AGS

Beat the Buzzer
Don't Give Up the Cat
Mr. Tijerakis
Snow Problem

Best Short Game

Clotilde Soffritti in: Never Double Park your Spaceship
Don't Give Up the Cat
The Witch's Lullaby
There's Something in the Pipes
Where Did the Humans Go?

Best Programming

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Don't Give Up the Cat
Nightmare Frames
Snow Problem
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Puzzles

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Nightmare Frames
Signal & Echo: Iris is Missing (demo)
Space Quest: A Son of Xenon - Full Version (2022)
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Congratulations!

How do the AGS Awards work?
(This is information mostly for new members, same procedure as every year)

Every year, the AGS community embarks on a quest to find the best games made in the last year. All games are eligible, that were added to the AGS Database in the year 2022. There is a For Your Consideration thread where authors can promote their games and players get a good overview what might be worth playing.

The awards are a two-step process: First there is a nomination phase where all community members can nominate the eligible games in several categories (it will be the same categories as last year). The top five games of each category make it to the voting (as long as they've received at least five nominations). Again, all members of the community can vote on their favourite games.
The final result is then announced in a live ceremony that can be joined either with a special client or any regular irc client.

Party like it's 1990 in this thread!

CaptainD · Mon 02/01/2023 12:03:12

For ease of use I've put all eligible games into a spreadsheet, with the demos clearly delineated:

It should be accessible to anyone, let me know if any issues.

eri0o · Mon 02/01/2023 12:27:27

Thank you for this spreadsheet! It makes much easier to make a copy so you can play and make your own notes of all games.

CaptainD · Mon 02/01/2023 13:09:26

Agreed, although I have to admit I really just stole the idea from Katschey and beat him to it this year!

Kastchey · Mon 02/01/2023 17:55:21

Dayum

lorenzo · Tue 03/01/2023 16:00:55

Thank you for the list, CaptainD! It's really useful!

heltenjon · Tue 03/01/2023 22:58:38

The link to the wiki isn't working, so here are the categories from last year, ready for use in the FYC thread:

Best Game Created with AGS
Best Freeware Game Created with AGS
Best Writing
Best Character
Best Gameplay
Best Background Art
Best Character Art
Best Animation
Best Music & Sound
Best Voice Work
Best Demo
Best Non Adventure Game Created with AGS
Best Programming
Best Puzzles

@cat - Please correct me if I missed something.

cat · Wed 04/01/2023 18:45:49

You are missing my favourite category: Best Short Game

We also discussed renaming "Best Music and Sound" to "Best Original Music and Sound Design".

heltenjon · Wed 04/01/2023 21:19:26

That's my favourite category, too!

How could I miss it?

cat · Thu 05/01/2023 07:40:37

The full list of categories is:

Best Game Created with AGS
Best Freeware Game Created with AGS
Best Short Game
Best Writing
Best Character
Best Gameplay
Best Background Art
Best Character Art
Best Animation
Best Original Music & Sound Design
Best Voice Work
Best Demo
Best Non Adventure Game Created with AGS
Best Programming
Best Puzzles

I've updated the first post. Thanks heltenjon for the idea!

Stupot · Thu 05/01/2023 18:46:19

I'll mention here that the voting for MAGGIES 2022^* will be held alongside the AGS Awards process as usual, and the winner will be announced as part of the Awards ceremony.

Expect a separate thread towards the end of this month, once December's winner is known.

^*What is MAGGIES? - Good question. It is the annual contest to choose the best of the best MAGS game from among the winning monthly entries. It is traditionally held separately from, but in tandem with, the AGS Awards.

cat · Sat 07/01/2023 19:20:54

Thanks, Stupot, looking forward to it!

cat · Mon 09/01/2023 20:58:38

A hint for people promoting their game in the "For your consideration" thread:
If you suggest that people vote for "Best Character", tell them the name or names they should nominate. For nominating a game in this category, voters have to enter the name in a text field.

heltenjon · Sat 14/01/2023 13:58:52

As people are playing through the games of yesteryear before the Awards nominations, please consider also voting/rating them on the games page. For the uninitiated, this is done by locating a paragraph named Public Opinion, just to the right of the download button and clicking on the Your votes link at the end of said paragraph.

Only five of the games released in 2022 has been rated by enough players (5 will do it) to receive a player rating, which is the orange cups. You don't have to leave a comment, and the voters remain anonymous. In addition, this is an excellent way of keeping track of which games you have already played, as the web page link will turn into Want to change your votes? after you have rated a game.

Stupot · Sat 14/01/2023 16:56:24

Quote from: heltenjon on Sat 14/01/2023 13:58:52You don't have to leave a comment

But please do consider leaving a comment, if you have time. It gives the developer a warm fuzzy feeling and encourages them to make more games.

cat · Sat 14/01/2023 19:11:15

Excellent advice, heltenjon and Stupot!

How's everyone getting along with playing the games?

Ponch · Thu 19/01/2023 23:18:20

Quote from: cat on Sat 14/01/2023 19:11:15How's everyone getting along with playing the games?

Slowly working my way through the stack.

heltenjon · Fri 20/01/2023 00:50:04

Quote from: cat on Sat 14/01/2023 19:11:15How's everyone getting along with playing the games?

I doubt I'll manage to play all the games this year. I think I have 19 games left to play, most of them commercial/full length.

cat · Sat 21/01/2023 20:04:20

Nominations have started!

AGA set up the nomination page for us, thanks for that!

Every forum member is allowed to participate in the nominations. Just visit the link above and pick your favourite games for each category. You can select up to 10 games for each category.

A few Q&As:

Q: Can I change my nominations?
A: Yes, you can change your nominations until the deadline. This way, you don't have to do all nominations at once.

Q: Do I have to play all games before I nominate?
A: Even though it would be great if you played as many games as possible, there is no need to do so. Even if you have only played a handful of games, you can probably judge their strengths and weaknesses. For some categories like best background and character art you probably don't even have to finish the game to decide.

Got more questions? Don't hesitate to ask them here!

The Last To Know · Sun 22/01/2023 10:01:56

Okay, my nominations are out.

heltenjon · Sun 22/01/2023 12:12:37

Which games have voice work this year?

Edit: I went through the list myself and came up with
Gongbot (Greek)
Challenge of the Tentacle
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow
Tres Acordes (Spanish)
SPHONX
Grandma Badass
Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard

In addition, Azazel's Christmas Adventure is marked with voice work, but there isn't any in the trailer. I haven't played it yet.
And Steamed Games: The Graphic Adventure has the voices from the original Simpsons show and clearly isn't eligible in this context.

cat · Wed 01/02/2023 09:47:32

The first nominations are in already. How are you getting along with playing and rating the games?

cat · Thu 09/02/2023 09:05:51

*bump*

cat · Fri 24/02/2023 16:30:53

Two days left and only 21 people have nominated so far

We need more nominations to have a result with some significance.
A game needs to have at least 5 votes to be nominated. Currently, this does not apply for a single game for Best Character and Best Short game.

heltenjon · Fri 24/02/2023 16:47:00

Quote from: cat on Fri 24/02/2023 16:30:53Two days left and only 21 people have nominated so far

We need more nominations to have a result with some significance.
A game needs to have at least 5 votes to be nominated. Currently, this does not apply for a single game for Best Character and Best Short game.

Perhaps people are not aware that you don't have to do it all at once? You can send in, and then amend the list later.

I added five more games to my short game list in the hopes that it will help.

FransisKransis · Sat 25/02/2023 01:18:30

I'm operating in the eleventh hour as always over here- but I've just submitted my picks! Perhaps more last minute voters shall follow?

lorenzo · Sat 25/02/2023 09:24:00

With the forums down, I forgot to add more votes! Fixing it now!

cat · Sat 25/02/2023 17:49:10

Thanks for the additional votes! If the forum downtime caused trouble - would a week extension help?

AGA · Sun 26/02/2023 10:00:34

@cat want me to extend the deadline by a week? I think it'd make sense under the circumstances.

Snarky · Sun 26/02/2023 13:50:31

Personally I would certainly appreciate that.

cat · Sun 26/02/2023 15:16:53

@AGA Yes, please. I think another week won't delay it too much and might bring a few more votes.

cat · Wed 01/03/2023 19:17:14

Last few days!

@AGA Could you please update the date in the banner?

Snarky · Wed 01/03/2023 19:56:22

It's not actually possible to submit any nominations, either.

AGA · Thu 02/03/2023 20:45:19

That's because I completely forgot about this thread, sorry! I've extended the end date to 9th March.

cat · Mon 06/03/2023 08:01:04

*Bump*

Don't forget to nominate, only a few days left!

Snarky · Tue 07/03/2023 13:08:57

Is it just me or is there a notably high number of commercial titles this last year? I think I counted 16 titles that require payment to play (though many also provide demos), in addition to a number that are offered under pay-what-you-want schemes. If someone wants to try them all, it starts to add up!

(Personally I solve this by only considering commercial titles for nomination if they are games I would buy in any case. Also, if a game or demo is only available in a Windows build and only on Steam, then it won't let me install it even though I could almost certainly get it to run on my Mac, so that's out as well.)

heltenjon · Tue 07/03/2023 16:59:19

Quote from: Snarky on Tue 07/03/2023 13:08:57Is it just me or is there a notably high number of commercial titles this last year?

Quote(Personally I solve this by only considering commercial titles for nomination if they are games I would buy in any case.

It certainly is a lot. I solve it by watching videos before nominating. One can get a feel for art, animation or voice acting just by doing that, though I would be hesitant to actually votefor a game that I had not played. So I guess I'll binge play some commercial titles in the interrim between nomination and voting deadlines.

Kini Games · Wed 08/03/2023 12:59:27

At the 11th hour, I've finally submitted my nominations.

Thanks for the extension.

Snarky · Thu 09/03/2023 09:17:39

Last minute point of order: For commercial games, the Games DB allows devs to provide a separate demo link. So are commercial games eligible for the "best demo" category if they have a demo (released in 2022), even if it's not a separate entry in the DB?

This would concern these commercial titles:

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard (demo 21. March)
Captain Hook and the Lost Girl (demo 7. July)
Gongbot (demo 2. May)
Graceward - Complete Edition (release demo 26. December)
Grandma Badass (release demo 22. November; there was a preview demo in 2020; I haven't compared it, but the file size of the final demo is 8 times bigger)
Snow Problem (demo 11. May)
SPHONX (demo 27. May)

But presumably not these, for which the demos were released before 2022:

Nightmare Frames (demo 2021)
Rock 'n' Roll Will Never Die! (demo 2021; but final release demo may be different?)
Superego, Chapter 1+2 (Chapter 0 / demo 2019)

And not these, which don't have demos at all:

~~Autumn of Death: Black Friday II~~ (no demo)
~~Azazel's Christmas Fable~~ (no demo)
~~GIGANT~~ (no demo)
~~Huggles Goes On A Trip!~~ (apparently no demo, even though there is a demo link on the games page)
~~Perfect Tides~~ (no demo)
~~Personal Rocket~~ (no demo)
~~The Excavation of Hob's Barrow~~ (no demo)

cat · Thu 09/03/2023 13:20:22

Last few hours!

cat · Fri 10/03/2023 09:53:11

Nominations are over - please stand by while we prepare the results for presentation.

Thanks to everyone who nominated and thus helped to make the awards happen!

cat · Sat 11/03/2023 21:18:25

Nomination results

Best Game Created with AGS

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Nightmare Frames
Perfect Tides
Space Quest: A Son of Xenon - Full Version (2022)
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Freeware Game Created with AGS

Clotilde Soffritti in: Never Double Park your Spaceship
Highland Spirit
Space Quest: A Son of Xenon - Full Version (2022)
The Witch's Lullaby
Where Did the Humans Go?

Best Writing

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Nightmare Frames
Perfect Tides
Space Quest: A Son of Xenon - Full Version (2022)
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Character

"Alan Goldberg" from Nightmare Frames
"Clotilde Soffritti" from Clotilde Soffritti in: Never Double Park your Spaceship
"Finn" from Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
"Mara Whitefish" from Perfect Tides
"Thomasina Bateman" from The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Gameplay

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Clotilde Soffritti in: Never Double Park your Spaceship
Nightmare Frames
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow
The Witch's Lullaby

Best Background Art

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Nightmare Frames
Rock 'n' Roll Will Never Die!
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow
The Witch's Lullaby

Best Character Art

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Clotilde Soffritti in: Never Double Park your Spaceship
Nightmare Frames
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow
The Witch's Lullaby

Best Animation

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Nightmare Frames
Perfect Tides
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow
Zid Journey (demo)

Best Music & Sound

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Nightmare Frames
Space Quest: A Son of Xenon - Full Version (2022)
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Voice Work

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Challenge of the Tentacle
SPHONX
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Demo

Castle Dornstein - DEMO
Menial; a Utopian Bagel Simulator (demo)
Signal & Echo: Iris is Missing (demo)
Zid Journey (demo)

Best Non Adventure Game Created with AGS

Beat the Buzzer
Don't Give Up the Cat
Mr. Tijerakis
Snow Problem

Best Short Game

Clotilde Soffritti in: Never Double Park your Spaceship
Don't Give Up the Cat
The Witch's Lullaby
There's Something in the Pipes
Where Did the Humans Go?

Best Programming

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Don't Give Up the Cat
Nightmare Frames
Snow Problem
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Puzzles

Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Nightmare Frames
Signal & Echo: Iris is Missing (demo)
Space Quest: A Son of Xenon - Full Version (2022)
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Congratulations!

Stupot · Sun 12/03/2023 07:19:57

Congratulations to the nominees.

Here's a condensed alphabetical list of all the nominated games:

Beat the Buzzer
Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard
Castle Dornstein - DEMO
Challenge of the Tentacle
Clotilde Soffritti in: Never Double Park your Spaceship
Don't Give Up the Cat
Highland Spirit
Menial; a Utopian Bagel Simulator (demo)
Mr. Tijerakis
Nightmare Frames
Perfect Tides
Rock 'n' Roll Will Never Die!
Signal & Echo: Iris is Missing (demo)
Snow Problem
Space Quest: A Son of Xenon - Full Version (2022)
SPHONX
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow
The Witch's Lullaby
There's Something in the Pipes
Where Did the Humans Go?
Zid Journey (demo)

Amir · Sun 12/03/2023 22:08:03

Thank u so much. I'm very happy to see my game on the list

Kini Games · Sun 12/03/2023 22:32:20

I'm also delighted to see my demo nominated in a couple of categories

Huge thanks to everyone who voted, and to @cat, and anyone else helping organise all this. And congrats to all the other nominees!

cat · Mon 13/03/2023 07:26:03

Thanks for the list (including links, very convenient), @Stupot !

Voting will start soon.

Kastchey · Mon 13/03/2023 07:55:04

Congratulations to all the nominees!

If someone would like to become a presenter in this year's award ceremony, please reach out to me

It's okay not to be certain at this stage whether or not you will be able to attend, we will sort it out when the ceremony date is revealed.

CrashPL · Mon 13/03/2023 11:34:02

Oh wow, I had no idea demos could also become nominees in categories other than 'best demo', what a pleasant surprise!

Very solid lineup this year, congratulations to all the nominees!

Dave Gilbert · Mon 13/03/2023 17:38:41

Yayyy! Congrats Hob's Barrow team!

Danvzare · Mon 13/03/2023 19:19:26

Congratulations to everyone who got nominated.

Like CrashPL said, a very solid lineup.

Ramorama · Mon 13/03/2023 21:36:24

Congratulations eveeyone!

Postmodern Adventures · Mon 13/03/2023 22:35:56

Congratulations to all the nominees!
What a bunch of amazing titles! The ceremony of this year will be interesting and exciting!

Chomba · Tue 14/03/2023 08:20:26

Congratulations to the nominees! Already sent my votes!

Good luck to everyone, this year the bar has been set high!

cat · Tue 14/03/2023 08:37:16

Voting has started!

Voting will be open until 23:59 on Sunday 9th April (GMT).

Click here to cast your votes
(and let me know if something is not working)

TheFrighter · Tue 14/03/2023 18:30:32

Voted!

_

cat · Fri 24/03/2023 21:02:38

How are you getting along with playing the nominated games and voting?

Ponch · Sun 26/03/2023 19:25:01

Quote from: cat on Fri 24/03/2023 21:02:38How are you getting along with playing the nominated games and voting?

Going as fast as I can. This is taking even longer than playing all the MAGS games did.

Snarky · Mon 27/03/2023 10:23:06

I'm also trying to finish up a few games before the deadline. I played all of the nominees during the nomination stage, but there were too many full-length ones to complete them all. So now I still have three full-length games that I need to see through (one I'm a good bit into, the two others only at the start).

It probably isn't the best way to enjoy these games—I'm a fairly impatient player in the first place, and even more so when under time pressure, so I think it makes me more intolerant of games that "waste my time." Naming no names, there was one I gave up on because of the character walking speed.

But on the positive side, it does help the ones I think are particularly good stand out.

Kastchey · Wed 29/03/2023 11:47:13

I'm a bit swamped this year, but trying my best to play what I didn't manage to play during the nominations phase.

To everyone who also struggles to play through all the games, or even most of the games, but still wants to vote - remember that you can help yourself with playthrough videos a bit, and also that you don't HAVE to play all the nominated games to vote. It's ideal if you do, but it's not cheating if you don't.

Also, if you find some extra time to play more games and change your mind, you can change your votes until the end of the voting phase.

cat · Wed 29/03/2023 12:38:01

Also, don't forget that you don't have to vote in every category. For example, if you can't afford to buy commercial games, you could still vote in the Best Freeware game category.
Likewise, if you don't have enough time to play all those full-length games, maybe you can play at least the nominees for best short game.

Privateer Puddin' · Wed 29/03/2023 15:39:06

Votes are in! Thanks again to everyone organising, and all the developers

cat · Mon 03/04/2023 21:07:22

Last week of voting!

cat · Fri 07/04/2023 20:21:30

Only 2 days left! It is VERY close in a few categories...

The Great Underground Empire · Sat 08/04/2023 13:47:36

Phew, got my votes in just in time!

Being honest, between the horror games (which I don't play) and the pay-up-front games, I only played and voted in a few categories I could fairly judge.

Not to get all economics-philosophical, but I was surprised by the number of pay-up-front games, too.

I'm a firm believer in the new pay-what-you-will online creative market...letting people try your high-quality game first creates way more long term fans who return to buy future games/merch/etc. If you genuinely made something good, trust your new fans to support you. If you didn't, you shouldn't be charging. (Not aimed at anyone here - this is just something I've strongly believed for years.)

Maybe a requirement for consideration in future AGS awards should be free evaluation copies to anyone who requests it, with controlled download links that are shut down after the awards?

Stupot · Sat 08/04/2023 16:19:16

Quote from: The Great Underground Empire on Sat 08/04/2023 13:47:36Maybe a requirement for consideration in future AGS awards should be free evaluation copies to anyone who requests it, with controlled download links that are shut down after the awards?

I know in the past some devs have at least offered reduced prices during the voting period. Any thing that can get more people playing more of the games is a good idea. It's a bit much to make it a requirement though.

QuoteIf you genuinely made something good, trust your new fans to support you. If you didn't, you shouldn't be charging. (Not aimed at anyone here - this is just something I've strongly believed for years.)

I don't think I agree. If someone is confident they've made a great game, and if they've put a great deal of their own time and resources into making it, and have any desire to recoup some of that, then they have to charge a fixed price. Trusting players to cough up is a bad idea, as most won't if it's optional.

LimpingFish · Sat 08/04/2023 19:44:39

Quote from: The Great Underground Empire on Sat 08/04/2023 13:47:36If you genuinely made something good, trust your new fans to support you.

Perhaps, if game development is simply a hobby, you could afford this luxury. But if it's a means to support yourself and your family, and for some commercial developers here it is, this is a big ask.

Quote from: The Great Underground Empire on Sat 08/04/2023 13:47:36Maybe a requirement for consideration in future AGS awards should be free evaluation copies to anyone who requests it, with controlled download links that are shut down after the awards?

A situation like that is just begging to be exploited. And, honestly, I think most developers would rather make sales, than worry about their eligibility for a community awards ceremony.

Ponch · Sat 08/04/2023 21:30:58

Voted! I hope I cast a tie-breaking vote somewhere.

The Great Underground Empire · Sun 09/04/2023 11:23:43

Stupot and Limpingfish: Sure, I get what you're saying. I like the idea too that developers voluntarily reduced prices without it being a requirement. That's just tried and true marketing technique - do a temporary sale to get your product out there, then return to normal price when you've driven up popularity.

Maybe I'm thinking too much towards regularly produced content like podcasts and other weekly-ish content creators, where the consumer gets a continuous, guaranteed reward in exchange for a continuous, tiny trickle of patron money invested. I can see how a one-shot product like a game would be different...no guarantees of more content for possibly years at a time, if ever, so less incentive to financially support it.

Anyways, good luck to everybody in the awards!

cat · Sun 09/04/2023 20:23:57

Last few hours!

It's still very close in some categories.

cat · Mon 10/04/2023 09:41:12

Voting is over. We are preparing the awards client and results for the ceremony.

Kini Games · Mon 10/04/2023 13:00:16

Woop! Do we know when the ceremony's gonna be?

cat · Mon 10/04/2023 19:16:18

This depends on how the awards client team is getting along with updating the client. I'll post here when there is any news.

cat · Wed 19/04/2023 08:17:35

We are STILL missing some of the resources for the awards client. It's quite some effort to prepare the client, so if authors are not willing to help us out, this is very annoying. I'm setting a deadline now:

Resources must be in until this Sunday (23rd April).

Otherwise their game will be represented by a black screen.

cat · Fri 28/04/2023 10:48:13

Sorry for the delay. Kastchey and Dualnames are working hard to include the last resources. In the meantime, let's have a voting when the ceremony will happen:

Choose your favourite time and day!

Please vote using your forum name. You can select multiple dates/times.

Dualnames · Sun 30/04/2023 01:56:28

We're looking really good added a lot of new cool things and nice features so far, really open to suggestions for the client, anything goes, feel free to DM me or type out your ideas here! I can't wait to show you all these things!

shaun9991 · Tue 02/05/2023 12:06:56

Thank you so much for all the nominations for Hob's Barrow!! Was a lovely surprise

cat · Sun 07/05/2023 18:28:08

Last chance for the doodle

https://xoyondo.com/dp/6rYGZ9Zq7b423P4

cat · Sun 14/05/2023 19:25:58

The ceremony will happen on

27 May at 20:00 BST

Cassiebsg · Mon 15/05/2023 23:54:41

Oh, I haven't missed it.
Been so long that I thought it had been held already. :/

Be it my luck, but I'll miss it, or be late to it, since I have a party to attend that day.

cat · Tue 16/05/2023 12:32:10

AGS awards are the best party of all - get your party people in front of your laptop and enjoy the ceremony together

Danvzare · Tue 16/05/2023 18:49:57

How on earth did I not notice that the date for the ceremony was announced two days ago?

Sometimes I can be as blind as a bat.

I can't wait to attend.

Dualnames · Wed 17/05/2023 02:22:09

Would people be interested in doing a small test for the new client, on May 20th a Saturday at 18:00 GMT?

cat · Wed 17/05/2023 09:15:22

Personally, I will not be available next Saturday, but a test run is a good idea.

Laura Hunt · Wed 17/05/2023 17:23:07

Quote from: Dualnames on Wed 17/05/2023 02:22:09Would people be interested in doing a small test for the new client, on May 20th a Saturday at 18:00 GMT?

That would be 20:00 CEST, right? I think that should be fine for me.

Snarky · Wed 17/05/2023 18:35:54

Ah, yeah. It would be great if you could clarify if by GMT you mean UTC or BST (British Summer Time), @cat.

cat · Wed 17/05/2023 19:15:58

Quote from: cat on Sun 14/05/2023 19:25:58The ceremony will happen on

27 May at 20:00 BST

@Snarky This is British Summer Time, which should be UTC+1.

About the testrun, this is up to @Dualnames to clarify.

Snarky · Wed 17/05/2023 19:17:13

Sorry, I should have addressed that question to @Dualnames!

Dualnames · Wed 17/05/2023 21:39:05

All good, so yes 20:00 CEST, yes!

Dualnames · Sat 20/05/2023 18:34:31

WELCOME TO THE FIRST TESTING ROUND OF THE AGS AWARDS CEREMONY!!

We're starting at 20:00 CEST TODAY, 20th of May 2023! I'll be around since till 21:00.
Please don't use this version of the client for the day of the awards, but only keep it to test, I'm planning on doing a few fixes down the line!

TEST CONCLUDED!

cat · Mon 22/05/2023 09:50:22

Wow, the ceremony is going to happen this Saturday already!
We still need a few people to present an award. So if you are going to attend the ceremony and would like to present an award please let us know!

cat · Wed 24/05/2023 11:13:36

No more presenters? Come on, folks, join the fun! Post either here in the thread or send me a PM.

Dualnames · Wed 24/05/2023 21:27:49

In case it's not super obvious, I'd love to present ofc, since I'm gonna be doing the ceremony thingies anyway!

cat · Thu 25/05/2023 09:10:01

Thanks, Dualnames! I thought you might be too busy operating the client.
I put you on the list.

cat · Fri 26/05/2023 13:21:03

The ceremony will happen tomorrow! I hope everyone will be there.

Danvzare · Fri 26/05/2023 16:31:22

Quote from: cat on Fri 26/05/2023 13:21:03The ceremony will happen tomorrow! I hope everyone will be there.

I'll try my best to be there, but I may be a little late.

Nahuel · Fri 26/05/2023 21:29:21

Just for awareness, which client will be used for the ceremony? Read the thread but couldn't find it so far. Thanks!

cat · Fri 26/05/2023 22:01:33

I think @Dualnames will post a link to the client that shall be used tomorrow.

Btw, it would be great if someone could inform the people who only frequent the Discord channel about the ceremony.

Kastchey · Sat 27/05/2023 05:39:18

Hey community!

We could use a couple more presenters, if anyone knows they are able to attend tonight and would like to take more active part in the ceremony. It doesn't take much, and it's fun!
The presenters who already applied, please expect a PM today with details. If there is any specific award you would like to present, let me know and I'll see what I can do

Additionally, we are looking for a streamer and someone to record the ceremony.

Thank you!

Stupot · Sat 27/05/2023 08:49:08

I'm afraid I don't think I'm likely to make it tonight. I'm really behind on sleep as it is and have an early start tomorrow.

Best wishes to all the nominees.

cat · Sat 27/05/2023 12:21:46

Sorry to hear that, Stupot, though it's fully understandable. I'm not sure if I would be willing to get up at 4 o'clock in the morning to present MAGGIES. So thanks for doing it in the previous years.

And thank for your continuous effort hosting MAGS!

Dualnames · Sat 27/05/2023 13:58:51

There is a client yes, give me some time setting up some last minute things!!

Kastchey · Sat 27/05/2023 14:14:07

Dear awards presenters, expect your messages with presentation details in about 3 hours from now.

Postmodern Adventures · Sat 27/05/2023 14:20:10

Quote from: Kastchey on Sat 27/05/2023 05:39:18Additionally, we are looking for a streamer and someone to record the ceremony.

Thank you!

I know that Rojo Aventuras will broadcast and comment the AGS Awards tonight. In Spanish.

Kastchey · Sat 27/05/2023 14:30:15

That works, thanks for the heads up. The ceremony is conducted via chat, so the Spanish commentary shouldn't be a problem to non-Spanish speaking people.

Dualnames · Sat 27/05/2023 15:35:06

AGS AWARDS CEREMONY CLIENT 2022

There are versions for Mac and Linux, but they are wildly untested. But should work!

Download [Windows]

Download [LINUX]

Download [OSX]

Kastchey · Sat 27/05/2023 17:32:05

Thanks Duals!

Presenters, please check your private messages for details. Any comments, questions or change requests, let me know - we'll see if we can figure something out.

If there are any last minute presenter volunteers, be sure to let me know - I can still get you your very own 10 on-stage minutes

Amir · Sat 27/05/2023 20:03:36

Please wait until connected

Edit: I got it.

cat · Sat 27/05/2023 22:49:23

Awards are over!

Here are the winners

Best Game Created with AGS
Nightmare Frames

Best Freeware Game Created with AGS
The Witch's Lullaby

Best Writing
Nightmare Frames

Best Character
"Alan Goldberg" from Nightmare Frames

Best Gameplay
Nightmare Frames

Best Background Art
Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard

Best Character Art
Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard

Best Animation
Beyond The Edge Of Owlsgard

Best Original Music & Sound Design
Nightmare Frames

Best Voice Work
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Best Demo
Zid Journey (demo)

Best Non Adventure Game Created with AGS
Snow Problem

Best Short Game
The Witch's Lullaby

Best Programming
Don't Give Up the Cat

Best Puzzles
Nightmare Frames

Congratulations!

CaptainD · Sat 27/05/2023 22:56:42

Not forgetting:

Best Innovation - EriOo
Lifetime Achievement - Mandle

Thanks Antoni, Cat, James et al for a very memorable ceremony!

Also huge thanks to everyone who voted for Snow Problem!

Kini Games · Sat 27/05/2023 23:19:47

Thanks again to everyone who helped make the event happen. It was my first one and I had a blast. Congrats to all the winners!

Kastchey · Sat 27/05/2023 23:31:55

Glad you could join us, Kini. Hope to see you again next year

Stupot · Sun 28/05/2023 00:47:30

Congratulations to all the winners!

It sounds like a fun time was had by all. I look forward to watching the video playback.

eri0o · Sun 28/05/2023 02:08:33

Thank you for all the people who voted in don't give up the cat and all the work out in the ceremony! It was a great time!

LimpingFish · Sun 28/05/2023 03:00:24

Well done to the nominees and winners! And thanks as always to everyone who helped make the awards happen!

Mehrdad · Sun 28/05/2023 06:42:42

Congrats all nominees and of course WINNERS

Kastchey · Sun 28/05/2023 07:51:52

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1830855852

Here's the recording of the Twitch stream. Thanks, Rojo Aventuras!

ukz530 · Sun 28/05/2023 08:09:06

Congrats all nominees!

I couldn't attend the awards this year because I had too much personal work(And... I got COVID-19.

). But I hope you all had a great time!

I will definitely attend next year!

Nahuel · Sun 28/05/2023 08:35:13

Congratulations to all nominees and winners and pf course well deserved.

For me all of you are winners just to be at the ceremony. I only see excellent games and excellent creators!

Amazing work from hosts, they also deserve a price.

Excellent work on the client @Dualnames

👏👏👏

CaptainD · Sun 28/05/2023 11:06:08

I also learned a large number of new ancient Chinese proverbs at the awards, which is something I'll always treasure.

Danvzare · Sun 28/05/2023 12:20:31

Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees. And an extra special congratulations to Mandle.

(Speaking of which, has he heard the news yet?)

Quote from: CaptainD on Sun 28/05/2023 11:06:08I also learned a large number of new ancient Chinese proverbs at the awards, which is something I'll always treasure.

Same here. It was a surprisingly educational ceremony.

RootBound · Sun 28/05/2023 15:30:40

Congratulations to everyone!

Sinitrena · Sun 28/05/2023 17:45:50

Congratulations again to all winners and nominees.

Thank you to the organizers and everyone else involved and congratulations to Dualnames for a crash free ceremony.

Well done, all around!

heltenjon · Sun 28/05/2023 22:02:33

Big congratulations to everyone nominated and awarded! I haven't been able to be very active in the community lately, so it was really great to tune in and meet the flock (I guess we need to be called that now...) again.

Apparently, I was, unbeknownst to me, cast as this year's trophy thief. As fortune would have it, just as I was put on stage to grab NewWaveBurrito's runner-up MAGGIES prize, my pc finished its countdown to an update, making me seemingly disappear with the stolen trophy. Some gags can be classified as "you had to be there", but this one is clearly a "you had to not be there".

And who knew that the Great Prophet Zarquon was a sheep? (Maybe only DualNames will get that one.)

cat · Mon 29/05/2023 19:21:45

Thanks again, Kastchey for hosting and Dualnames for improving, updating and operating the client!

I hope that having a eulogy will not become a tradition

Mandle · Mon 29/05/2023 23:40:35

Thank you so much for the award!

I couldn't attend this year, but will be watching the replay later today!

Hobo · Tue 30/05/2023 07:53:08

Congratulations to all the winners and big thanks to everyone who are helping to keep this event alive and happening year after year!

FireFlower · Tue 30/05/2023 10:59:24

Congrats everyone! Many great games, both the nominated and the winners.

Mandle · Tue 30/05/2023 12:04:18

Just got the chance to watch the replay of the awards. Well-deserved wins in most categories!

And then, came along mine... and YOU MOTHERFUCKERS had me crying my ass off at the stuff that was being said onstage and off about me...

Thanks you all SO MUCH for these feelings that I will never forget!

Love this community above and beyond all other online nonsense!

HUGZ!

Kastchey · Tue 30/05/2023 15:45:08

Quote from: Mandle on Tue 30/05/2023 12:04:18And then, came along mine... and YOU MOTHERFUCKERS had me crying my ass off at the stuff that was being said onstage and off about me...

Serves you well!

Seriously though, like I said onstage, it was long overdue. Never change, Mandle!

Amir · Thu 01/06/2023 19:18:28

Will someone upload it to youtube?

Postmodern Adventures · Thu 01/06/2023 20:42:52

Quote from: Amir on Thu 01/06/2023 19:18:28Will someone upload it to youtube?

Yes, Amir! Rojo Aventuras uploaded it three days ago:

And what a ceremony! I loved the new improvements of the client (those zooms!) and thanks to all the team of the Awards for the hard work of every year! It was fun as always.

I went to the Awards very relaxed this year. I didn't think I would get an AGS Award but... wow!!
I would like to congratulate all the nominees and winners but I think the real winner of that night was this community. You are all amazing!

Amir · Fri 02/06/2023 18:53:17

I hope someone will upload it without comment like the other AGS Awards on YouTube.